ISABELA CITY-Young adults from all over Isabela City participated in the World Day Against Child Labor (WDACL) Mural Painting Contest spearheaded by DOLE Isabela City Field Office with the active support of the Isabela City Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (ICTIPC), Isabela City Family Welfare Committee (ICFWC) and the Local Government Unit of Isabela City. The said activity was held at the DOLE Isabela City Field Office Grounds last June 27-29, 2023.
WDACL is a global campaign against child labor that is celebrated every year during the month of June, specifically on the 12th day of June. “Buong Bansa, Sama-Sama, Lahat ng Bata, Para sa Batang Malaya” is the theme of this year’s local WDACL #BatangMalaya celebration.

In the effort to spread the advocacy, the DOLE Isabela City Field Office organized an activity as part of the #BatangMalaya campaign, aimed at promoting youth advocacy. This activity was designed to engage both children and adults alike. The inaugural WDACL Mural Painting Contest featured three groups of talented young artists who demonstrated exceptional skills and creativity. These groups, namely Pintaguhit, Los Pinteros, and Tibulo, showcased their artistic mastery by interpreting this year’s theme.

Despite facing challenges such as intense heat and rain, the artists persevered for two days to complete their artworks. The judging panel, consisting of DOLE Isabela City Field Office Staff members, including Ms. Marlyn M. Anoos, Chief Labor and Employment Officer; Ms. Celedonia S. Cabang, Administrative Assistant III; Mr. Marhamir K. Sahisa, Assistant Labor Inspector-LEO III; and Mr. Christian Mon M. Raveche, TUPAD Coordinator, evaluated the finished murals.
Following the assessment, Tibulo emerged as the winner with the highest percentage, earning an average score of 96.5% and claiming the top position. Pintaguhit secured the second spot with a score of 95.75%, while Los Pinteros came in third place with a score of 93.5%.

Antonio Francisco III, the Team Leader of Pintaguhit, highlighted that their artwork symbolized the collaborative efforts of DOLE, LGU Isabela City, and local partners in eradicating child labor in the city. On the other hand, Ms. Christine Siose, the representative of Los Pinteros, explained that their design aimed to raise awareness about WDACL to all viewers.

The winners, represented by Bennazar Baradji, described their artwork as a celebration of diversity, emphasizing the freedom and rights of children to pursue education, strive for success, and choose their own paths. Baradji stated, “together, they will reach their dreams and be free to choose their own paths towards success.” This was their little way to advocate and help young adults like them be educated because they have the power to support the society in the fight against child labor in the country. END/with reports from AOcliaso and CAMPuno,DOLE-ICFO